Free Speech Under Attack: Why I Oppose the IHRA Bill in New Jersey

As a response to CAIR Action New Jersey Encouraging Other Gubernatorial Candidates Not to Sign Proposed IHRA Bill. I made an initial statement in November 2024. I am expanding on it now.

As a candidate for Governor of New Jersey, I refuse to stand by while the fundamental rights of our people are threatened. Labeling people who dare to exercise their constitutional rights as threats and sending in law enforcement to silence them? That’s not leadership—that’s oppression. These passionate voices are not a threat; they are a symbol of hope, standing up for justice and demanding that we, as a society, do better.

Freedom of speech isn’t just a talking point—it’s the beating heart of our democracy. Questioning government policies, even those of Israel, is not anti-Semitic. Equating peaceful protest with hate speech is a dangerous distortion that weakens the very principles this country was founded on. We need to be courageous enough to have difficult conversations, not shut them down out of fear.

Law enforcement officers should protect our communities, not be used as a tool to suppress free expression. When they are weaponized to intimidate peaceful protesters, it only fuels the flames of division. Leadership isn’t about silencing dissent—it’s about listening, understanding, and bringing people together.

New Jersey is a state built on diversity and resilience. As your Governor, I will defend your right to speak out, to protest, and to demand change. I will not condemn non-violent, peaceful protest demonstrations, nor will I tolerate any effort to suppress them. When people feel unheard, frustration grows, and injustice thrives. Change demands action, but that action must reject violence Always. Deformation of property is uncalled for and a crime. Let not your frustration take you to a lower level.

I strongly oppose the IHRA bill S1292, S2937, the Assembly bill A3558 or any other bill that attempts to falsely merge Israel with Judaism in a false redefinition of "anti-Semitism" and will never sign them into law.  The IHRA definition unfairly targets political perspectives, labeling criticism as hate and setting a dangerous precedent for censorship. No one group should have a special category of protected speech while others do not. We must stand for fairness and equality across the board. It is against the law to intimidate an individual or group of individuals, and we must ensure these protections are upheld for everyone.

New Jersey already has laws protecting its people from discrimination and intimidation based on race, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and national origin. We don’t need new laws that stifle free expression—we need leadership that upholds our constitutional rights for everyone.

As Governor, I will lead with humanity and empathy. I will fight for a New Jersey that stands against hate, oppression, and injustice while upholding the freedoms that define us as Americans. This is about more than politics—it’s about who we are as a people. Let’s come together, build bridges, and create a future where every voice is valued, and no one is silenced.